Program for the Spring 2014 Multidisciplinary Research Day

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Using microcosms (12 cattle tanks), we tested the
effects of parking lot run-off on chorus frog
tadpole survivorship and growth. We had three
treatments: control, 50% parking lot water, and 100%
parking lot water. Significantly more tadpoles
survived in the control than in either of the
parking lot water treatments. Also, the mean mass
of tadpoles from the control was significantly
greater than in the 100% parking lot water
treatment. Faculty Sponsor: MARK MILLS

In the Spring of 2014, a survey was conducted at various sites across Missouri to assess what frogs were calling. The data was then analyzed to see what similarities there were across sites, as well as, where the most and/or least diversity was. Other environmental factors were also considered. Faculty Sponsor: DR. MARK MILLS

In the Spring of 2014, a survey was conducted at various sites across Missouri to assess what frogs were calling. The data was then analyzed to see what similarities there were across sites, as well as, where the most and/or least diversity was. Other environmental factors were also considered. Faculty Sponsor: DR. MARK MILLS

Abstract
Missouri has 17 species of turtles of these species 10 in the state are from the family Emydidea. Emydid turtles live a variety of fresh water bodies including ponds and are commonly referred to as pond turtles. This survey was taken at two local ponds in Buchannan county Missouri. Taking counts of all sighted Emydid turtles the species were photographed and identify.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. MILLS

This is a study of the biodiversity of ponds based
on their proximity to MWSU housing. Our hypothesis
is that biodiversity would differ between ponds that
are in the immediate vicinity of campus housing as
opposed to ponds on campus property that would have
less frequent human interaction. Faculty Sponsor: DR. MILLS

Empirical Projects

In this apoptosis experiment DNA fragmentation was
used to evaluate the effects of stevia and aspartame
on human intestinal epithelial cells. The results
showed that neither stevia nor aspartame induced
apoptosis in the epithelial cells. Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON

The affect of various concentrations of caffeine on
intestinal epithelial cells was tested. We
hypothesized that cell apoptosis would be observed
after exposing the cells to a concentration of 4 mM
of caffeine over a 48-hour period. All twelve of the
wells exhibited apoptosis however we were unable to
conclude that the apoptosis was induced by caffeine.
We suspect that the apoptosis that occurred in all
of our wells was due to the length of the cells
exposure to caffeine, and/or that the 48-hour period
was too long for the cells to live without their
nutrient source being replenished. Faculty Sponsor: DR. KRISTEN WALTON

We compared the fermentation efficiency of three
different commercial yeast brands. Our hypothesis
was that the fermentation of glucose by active dry
yeast, rapid rise yeast, and pizza crust yeast occur
at the same rate. The experimental results did not
support our hypothesis. Instead it showed that the
rapid rise was the fastest and the pizza crust was
the slowest at producing carbon dioxide. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

In order to test if the treatment of UV light induced apoptosis in connective tissue cells, myofibroblasts (strain Col-GFP) were exposed to either no UV light, 15 minutes of UV light, or 45 minutes of UV light inside the cell culture hood. Photos were taken with a high powered microscope camera before and after treatments with UV light. After 24 hours of incubation, no clear evidence of apoptosis was observed in these photos. Furthermore, no clear evidence of apoptosis via DNA fragmentation was observed in this experiment. Faculty Sponsor: KRISTEN WALTON

In this experiment we tested the desiccation
tolerance of different plant and animal tissues and
cells. We found that beef liver was very sensitive
to water loss, while peeled orange slices and cut
geranium leaves were not excessively dehydrated by
the end of the 10-days long experiment. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

There are many different ways to sample amphibians.
We are looking at if aquatic light traps would be an
efficient way to sample amphibians. We are also
trying to establish whether or not there is a
difference between traps with or without lights. Faculty Sponsor: DR. MARK MILLS

White Nose Syndrome (WNS) is a disease that affects hibernating bats. It earned the name White Nose Syndrome because of the white fungus that grows on the muzzle and other parts of the bat. WNS has been attributed to mass mortality of bats in the eastern United States. Since being discovered in 2006 WNS has spread to the midwest and even into Canada. Bats with WNS display very odd behaviors such as flying around during the day or clustering near the entrance of caves. It has been estimated that WNS has killed well over 5 million bats nationwide.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic used in wound
dressing and mouthwashes that has been known to
induce apoptosis in large quantities. The purpose of
this experiment was to see if chlorhexidine induced
apoptosis in an intestinal epithelial cell line
(CMT-93). DNA isolation and fragmentation was used
to determine the induction of apoptosis in a control
and two different concentrations of chlorhexidine
(0.5%, 1.0%). Necrosis of the cells occurred instead
of apoptosis in the 0.5% and 1.0% concentrations
concluding that chlorhexidine actually induces
necrosis as opposed to apoptosis in high and low
concentrations. Faculty Sponsor: DR. WALTON

Many carbonated drinks are very popular in the
United States, however an increasing number of
scientific papers point out the negative impacts of
these drinks. We investigated the relationship
between the pH and the temperature of 10 different
common drinks including Milk 2%, Root Beer,
Gatorade, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi, Diet Coke, Coke, Almond
Milk, Lemonade, and Orange Juice. We found, that
heating the drinks has a slight impact on their pH,
in particular in the case of the carbonated drinks.
We attribute this effect to the impact of
temperature on the solubility of CO2, forming
hydrocarbonic acid in solution. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Gast, Tyler. HISTORICAL REVIEW OF ONCHOCERA VOLVULUS.

Onchocerca volvulus is a roundworm parasite
that can infect humans and have adverse effects. It
is commonly known as "river blindness" that is a
result of chronic infection. Onchocercal infections
are found in tropical regions where the parasite is
transmitted to humans by Simulium
blackflies that typically live and reproduce near
rivers or fast moving streams. Infections can be
treated via pharmaceuticals or surgery. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

We tested the activity of catalase isolated from
different animal and plants tissues, following the
O2 generation from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
breakdown in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme
catalase. We found, that of all investigated tissues
chicken liver extracts showed the highest catalase
activity, and Geranium leaves the lowest. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Chelsey Hansen, Dylan Payne, Alex Duryee, and Brittany Hampton. MONITORING THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON THE RATE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN AQUATIC PLANTS.

We tested the impact of light spectral quality on
the photosynthesis of a submerged aquatic plant
(Elodea densa). We found, that white light,
containing all photosynthetically active wavebands
and red light stimulated the photosynthesis of the
Elodea plants, while green light did not. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

In the summer of 2012, seven juvenile pig carcasses were placed in either a prairie or forest setting. After the majority of soft tissue had decayed, the exposed bones are being monitored biweekly. Four carcasses are placed in an enclosure in a prairie setting. Three carcasses, including two which had been exposed to fire, were placed in an enclosure located at the edge of a forest. The enclosures exclude large scavengers, such as dogs and humans, but allow insects and smaller scavengers, such as raccoons and opossums, to access the carcasses. Missing and damaged bones were noted and photographed. Each week the skull, mandible, scapula, pelvic wings and long bones are evaluated for taphonomic grade, using the Behrensmeyer evaluation criteria. The criteria are being modified slightly to account for differences in bone decay seen in the juvenile carcasses. Faculty Sponsor: KAREN KOY

We investigated the impact of salt and liquid
nicotine on yeast fermentation rate. We found, that
both NaCl and nicotine stimulated the yeast
fermentation rates, which was surprising, as we
hypothesized that nicotine could be toxic to cells,
while the high salt concentration was expected to
alter the cell?s water balance. We expected cells to
loose water due to osmosis, and consequently to
exhibit fermentation rates lower than the controls.
Future research will address the mechanism
underlying the observed effects. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Many carbonated drinks are very popular in the
United States, however an increasing number of
scientific literature addresses the negative impacts
of these drinks. The purpose of the current
experiments was to compare the acidity and sugar
content of a few popular drinks: Coconut-pineapple
Nectar, Sierra Mist, Mountain Dew, and Amp Energy
boot grape. We used an Iodine test to indicate the
presence of starch, and the Benedict?s test to
detect monosaccharides. The test results verified
that the concentration of sugars was high in
Mountain Dew to supply quick energy, and low in the
Amp Energy, as indicated on the product labels, and
all drinks were acidic, with pH values ranging
between 2 and 4. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Certain foods that people consume may be more acidic
than they realize. In fact, some candies are
alarmingly close in pH to battery acid. Our group
specifically focused on sweet and sour candies such
as Fun Dip, Sour Skittles, Jolly Rancher Suckers,
and Smarties. We tested the pH of crushed and
solubilized candy powder. Our results were
surprising. The found all four candies to be
extremely acidic, with pH values of 2.98-3.34. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Brenna, Knott . DOES LPS STIMULATE COLLAGEN PRODUCTION?.

Collagen is the main structural protein of connective tissue and mostly found in fibrous tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage, corneas, blood vessels and skin. Fibroblasts are the most common cells which produce collagen. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the main component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Current research uses LPS to induce synthesis and secretion of growth promoting factors such as interleukins. In this study, two forms of collagen were reversely transcribed and PCR was performed to determine which sample would provide better data. A negative control, LPS, TGF-? and IGF were then introduced to cultured myofibroblasts to induce collagen control. Cells were treated with these hormones; RNA was isolated from the myofibroblasts and was reversely transcribed to DNA before running realtimePCR on the DNA. Faculty Sponsor: KRISTEN WALTON

Photosynthesis is the process in which a plant
obtains needed energy in order to continue living
through sunlight. It is through plants that many
other terrestrial based organisms are able to live.
Plants also derive much of their food from the soil.
The purpose of this experiment is to determine how
pH levels would affect a plant?s ability to
photosynthesize.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Musser, Terry. SCHISTOSOMIASIS BY ROUTE OF SCHISTOSOMA MANSION.

Schistosoma mansnoi is one of the causative agents of
schistosomiasis. It is a blood fluke and is most common of all the
schistosomes of infecting humans. It is transmitted through
contact of free-swimming cercariae. These cercariae come from an
infected snail host of the genus Biomphalaria. The life cycle starts
and ends with the contact of contaminated feces in a water source
where this snail is found. This paper will attempt to outline the
major characteristics of Schistosoma mansoni and its effects on
humans as a host for the parasite. Details on treatment and
prevention will be provided to help educate on the importance of
sanitation. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

In general, the classes of toxins that are found in most animals and their skin are alkaloids toxins and are found in amphibians. An alkaloid is a complex organic compound containing nitrogen. They are commonly derived from amino acids, and originate from alkynes which is why it has a bitter taste. Just touching the frog will not immediately impair you, there needs to be contact and entry into the system via the blood or by mucous in order to do any harmful damage. Scientists have revealed that batrachotoxin is not an immediate blocker of the nervous system and actually makes the heart muscle contractions stronger initially while the pumiliotoxin in positively utilize to the toxin. The national Institute of Health is undergoing research used derivatives of the batrachotin for anesthetics in surgery. Explorations in the fields involving these natural toxins is important for the human development and further research will benefit the world of science. Faculty Sponsor: MARK MILLS

We investigated the impact of increasing
temperatures on the rate of fermentation by yeast.
Of all temperatures tested we found 37?C to be
optimum for fermentation. At lower temperatures, as
room temperature, the rate of fermentation was low,
while 76?C completely inhibited the process, most
likely by inhibiting or denaturing the enzymes
responsible for fermentation. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Reeves, daton. Ringler, Keith. Petty, Aaron.. LIFE HISTORY AND MANAGNMENT OF BOBWHITE QUAIL.

in our poster we observed the management implications of bobwhite quail I Missouri. We also display the history of bobwhite quail and how the populations of this specific species declined throughout over the last 5 years. We outline specific diseases and how habitat loss may have declined the populations for a few examples. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVLIER

Roberts, Kyle. INTERNSHIP: INTERPRETING AT LONG BRANCH STATE PARK.

This poster outlines my summer internship with Long
Branch State Park. For the internship I was the
interpreter when we had school groups come in. Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Rowland, Jarrett. BIO 417 GIARDIA LAMBLIA HISTORICAL REVIEW.

Medical parasitology student takes a closer look at parasite Giardia lamblia and the disease Giardiasis, its mode of transmission, symptoms and pathology, current treatment, and epidemiology. Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan parasite that colonizes and reproduces in the small intestine, causing giardiasis. Giardia was initially described by van Leeuwenhoek in 1681. Faculty Sponsor: DR DAVID ASHLEY

Luna Ben, Gillstrom Matthew. USDA AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.

We will be informing the attending audience about
the USDA and how they control wildlife that conflict
with aviation. Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIAR

East African Sleeping Sickness is a rare form of African Sleeping
Sickness, but is very dangerous because it has an acute onset.
The etiological agent associated with the disease is
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. Its symptoms occur quickly
and, if left untreated, can result in death. Not only does this
disease kill, but it also had an effect on the quality of life and
the economy. The disease is often treated with suramin or
melarsoprol depending on the pathology. The vector that
spreads the parasite is the tsetse fly. Finding ways to control
spreading of East African Sleeping Sickness include: controlling
vector populations, altering human activities, and replacing
livestock with a resistant species to the Tsetse fly. The disease?s
history has dated back to early African civilizations. Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

We compared the efficacy of two commercially
available antacids on increasing the pH of a
solution of similar pH to the stomach environment
and investigated the dose dependence of the
response. We found no difference between the generic
and the brand-name antacid, and both achieved
maximum efficacy already at the dose generally
recommended by the pharmacist. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Environmental pollution can lead to an increased
frequency of acid precipitation. Understanding
photosynthesis response to freshwater acidification
is key to better understand how acid rain events
will affect freshwater ecosystems. We were
interested to study how a decrease in the pH of pond
water could affect the photosynthesis of the
aquatic Elodea plant. We found that the lower pH
level resulted in a higher photosynthetic rate,
which was an unexpected result. Further research
will investigate the mechanism of the observed
response. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Justin Turner, Jasmine Stalker, Miles Jumps, Cameron Glenn and Erin Goode. THE EFFECT OF FERTILIZERS AND SALT ON THE PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF AQUATIC PLANTS .

Water runoff from agricultural fields to ponds could
potentially contaminate the pond ecosystem with
fertilizers, salts, etc. The purpose of the
experiment was to understand the effects of salt
water and Miraclegro, a common fertilizer on the
photosynthesis of Elodea. We hypothesized that the
Miraclegro and salt solution would have similar
effects Elodea cells, potentially providing a
hypertonic environment which was expected to induce
plasmolysis in the cells. The results show that salt
indeed plasmolyzed the cells of the aquatic plant,
while the fertilizer addition did not result in
plasmolysis, and stimulated photosynthetic O2
evolution. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

William Walker, Dillon Howe . THE EFFECTS OF TERPENOID PLANT HORMONES ON PLANT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT.

In this in-class Plant Physiology (BIO 340) project
we investigated the impact of two, exogenously
applied plant hormones, abscisic acid (ABA) and
gibberellic acid (GA3) on plant growth and
development. Plant morpho-physiological
characteristics (leaf development, plant height,
internode length and root development) were assessed
at the start and the end of the experiment.?
Results show that GA3 stimulated plant
growth, and contrary to our expectations, plants
treated with ABA were also taller than the
corresponding controls. We hypothesize this response
to be the indirect effect of ABA action on plant
stomata. Exogenous application of ABA was previously
described to induce stomata closure in leaves, which
is likely to have improved plant water use
efficiency and decreased transpiration rates,
allocating more resources to the vegetative
development of the plants.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

In the following experiment we tested the impact of
caffeine (5-Hour Energy), nicotine, and tea on yeast
fermentation rate. We found, that the energy drink
and tea inhibited fermentation, while unexpectedly,
nicotine stimulated the yeast fermentation rates.
Future research will investigate the cellular
mechanism at the basis of nicotine-induced
stimulation of fermentation rates. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

We investigated, whether common beverages, due to
their high sugar contents could potentially serve as
good substrates for yeast fermentation. In the
following experiment we tested the rate of
fermentation by yeast using as substrates five
everyday beverages: Orange Juice, Gatorade, Root
beer, Lemonade and 5 Hour Energy. We measured the
volume of CO2 gas released by fermentation over a 30
minute time span, measuring progress in 5 minute
increments. We found Orange juice to have the
highest rate of fermentation, indicating the highest
content of glucose in this beverage. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CSENGELE BARTA

Winn, Amanda . THE ACCIDENTAL HOST OF FASCIOLA HEPATICA .

Fasciola hepatica is a causative agent of Fascioliasis found in humans and ruminants. It is a liver fluke, or commonly known as the sheep liver fluke, that is one of the largest digeneans to infect a human host. The number of humans infected is increasing worldwide by being an accidental host from ingesting contaminated drinking water or plants in an endemic area. The infective agent of Fasciola hepatica is metacercariae that come from an intermediate snail host known as Lymnaea. Fasciola hepatica is both treatable and preventable. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Historical Papers

Brown,Evan. A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM.

This poster will provide a brief overview of the
human protozoal parasite Plasmodium falciparum, one
of the causative agents for malaria. It will discuss
the life cycle of the parasite, pathology and
symptoms associated with an infection, and how P.
falciparum infections are treated. The poster will
also discuss the primary modes of transmission, as
well as the measures being taken to prevent this
transmission happening in the first place. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Dysart, Kayla. WEST AFRICAN SLEEPING SICKNESS:HISTORICAL REVIEW.

West African sleeping sickness is an infection
caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.
A biting fly, called the Tsetse fly, transmits the
parasite through its mouthparts to a human host. In
the body, this species of parasite is found in the
blood in its trypomastigote stage which is long and
slender and is typically in an ?S? or ?C? shape.
Some of the symptoms include soreness at the site of
bite, fever, headaches, weakness, and swollen lymph
nodes. Treatments for this infection involve the
intake of drugs and controlling the vectors is very
important for minimal transmission of this
infection. The history, etiologic agent,
pathology/symptoms, treatment, epidemiology and
control of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense will be
further discussed.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Field,Katie. TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS HISTORICAL REVIEW.

This research paper will be a historical review over the parasite
Trichinella spiralis. Trichinella spiralis is a nematode parasite that is
responsible for infecting a range of animals including humans, pigs,
and wild game. Due to it?s severe effects on the human body and
easy transmission, it is crucial to understand and study this
parasite. This historical review will focus on several aspects of
Trichinella spiralis including the taxonomy, life cycle, the pathology
and symptoms in humans, treatment (or lack thereof),
epidemiology, control, and history of the parasite. Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Foster, Jessica. HISTORICAL REVIEW OF GNATHOSTOMA SPINIGERUM.

This report is to explain the importance of Gnathostoma spinigerum to people, as well as the historical aspects of this parasite. This report is also to inform about the pathology, symptoms and treatment of the disease that this parasite causes. The epidemiology and control of this parasite will also be discussed in this report. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Chagas disease is an endemic disease in South America, it is considered one of the most common neglected parasitic infections. Its symptoms change over the course of the infection. The etiological agent associated with the disease is Trypanosoma cruzi. Treatment of the disease is often in the form of Nufurtimox in the acute stages of the disease. The kissing bug is responsible for spreading the parasites, and cautions such as controlling vector populations, educating the population, and changing the material that houses are made from (thatching) are being taken to limit the disease.
Faculty Sponsor: DAVID ASHLEY

Romesburg, Kayla. SCHISTOSOMIASIS BY WAY OF SCHISTOSOMA JAPONICUM .

Schistosoma japonicum is a major infectious agent of the disease schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms that can infect the urinary tract or intestines. Schistosoma japonicum happens to infect the small intestine of humans. Schistosoma japonicum is very similar to Schistosoma mansoni, but is the most pathogenic of the Schistosoma species because it produces up to 3,000 eggs per day which is ten times greater than that of Schistosoma mansoni. The parasite?s life cycle begins with interaction of contaminated feces in or near water where the snail hosts of the genus Oncomelania is found. Schistosoma japonicum is transferred through free-swimming cercariae interaction. This paper on Schistosoma japonicum will describe the physiognomies of this parasite, the effects it has on humans, and how prevention of this disease can be taken into account by ways of better sanitation in communities. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

Internship/Practicum Experience

Herrod, Chris. SQUAW CREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE INTERNSHIP .

An internship with Squaw Creek National Wildlife
Refuge. In this paper I will discuss the following
things: Tracking Blanding Turtles, Tracking
Massasauga Rattlesnakes, bird counts, using excel,
and Trumpeter Swan and Geese neck collars. Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Mueller, Phillip . DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES INTERNSHIP.

An internship with the Department of Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Quality was completed 2013.8.15. In this
paper I will discuss the following parts of the job: 1. Land
environment disturbance inspections. 2. Assessment of water
quality of suspected polluted streams. 3. Inspected and assessed
environmental impacts of concentrated animal feeding operations
of hog farming. Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Literature Reviews

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is one of a group of
highly contagious transmissible spongiform
encephalopathy (TSE) diseases. Symptoms of infected
animals include extreme weight loss, loss of
balance, stumbling, tremors, and excessive
salivation. These symptoms can take months or years
to be detected. Ultimately TSE lead to degeneration
of the nervous system and death of infected hosts.
There is no known cure and is 100% fatal.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Dracunculiasis, also known as guinea worm disease, is caused by the large female of the nematode Dracunculus medinensis, which emerges painfully and slowly from the skin, usually on the lower limbs. The disease can infect animals, and sustainable animal cycles occur in North America and Central Asia but do not act as reservoirs of human infection. It has a significant socioeconomic impact because of the temporary disability that it causes. Guinea worm infection is one of the most easily prevented parasitic diseases, but it is nevertheless a cause of disability in rural areas of Africa. Dracunculiasis is exclusively caught from drinking water infested with infected Cyclops (a microcrustacean), usually from ponds. A campaign to eradicate the disease was launched in the 1980s and has made significant progress. The disease is endemic across the Sahel belt of Africa from Mauritania to Ethiopia where they do not have access to safe drinking water, and has been eliminated from Asia and some African countries. Worms up to 70-80 cm in length develop in the subcutaneous tissues of the feet or legs and larvae are progressive to repeat the cycle when an infected individual steps into a well or pond from which others draw drinking water. The disability may be economically very important if the period of infection coincides with busy periods in the agricultural year.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Tigers are on the endangered species list and it is estimated that 97% of their population has been lost in the last century. The main reasons their numbers have depleted are habitat destruction, prey depletion, and multiple human/tiger conflicts. Poaching is also a big issue because tiger parts go for a lot of money in the black market due to the use of them for medicinal purposes. Researchers have worked for years to find the cheapest, most effective way to manage tigers. There have been multiple studies done on different study methods to best conserve this species. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CHEVALIER

Feral hogs are increasing in range and numbers, as a result human-
feral hog conflicts are increasing. This poster is an overview of
current management techniques of feral hogs that are utilized in
order to mitigate these conflicts. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY D. CHEVALIER

Couch, Brock; Jacobs, Julia; Mantlo, Drew. RAINFOREST DEFORESTATION.

Rainforests are being depleted are alarming rates.
We are looking at the causes and effects of
rainforest deforestation on the environment and
economy. We are also presenting management
techniques we feel would help slow down the
depletion of the rainforest. Faculty Sponsor: DR. CARY CHEVALIER

Ferrell,Joshua. TRICHOSTRONGYLUS AXEI HERBIVORE ROUND WORM.

Trichostrongylus species (Trichostrongylus axei) are
nematodes (round worms), which are ever-present
among herbivores worldwide, including cattle, sheep,
donkeys, goats, deer, horses, and rabbits. At least
10 Trichostrongylus species have been associated
with human infections. Infections occur via
ingestion of infective larvae from contaminated
vegetables or water. Epidemiological studies
indicate a worldwide distribution of
Trichostrongylus infections in humans, with the
highest prevalence rates observed in individuals
from regions with poor sanitary conditions, in rural
areas, or who are farmers / herders. Human
infections are most prevalent in the Middle East and
Asia, with a worldwide estimate of 5.5 million
people. Faculty Sponsor: DR.ASHLEY

Frederick, Paul. HERPETOLOGY (BIO385) DINOSAURS ENDOTHERMY.

There has long been an argument between scientists on whether
or not dinosaurs were ectotherms or endotherms. What does it
mean to be an ectotherm or endotherm? Ectotherms body
temperature is generally a product of their environment.
Endotherms body temperature is generated by metabolism. This
will be a discussion on the many lines of argument that would lead
a scientist to believe that dinosaurs were in fact endotherms
versus being an ectotherm. Dinosaurs are split into two distinct
families the Saurischians and the Ornithischians. The Saurischians
were made up of the Sauropods and the Theropods which later
developed into the modern family Aves.
Faculty Sponsor: DR MARK MILLS

Hembry,Thea. BANCROFT'S FILARIASIS, A FILARIAL WORM.

Wuchereria bancrofti is a parasite in humans that cause a lymphatic disease. It is utilized by vector mosquitos of many different genera. A serious impact on human health is caused by this disease which commonly occur in tropical regions. There is an acute and obstructive phase of the symptoms of W. bancrofti. The obstructive phase results in elephantiasis which is an outcome of the blockage of lymph flow. Though it could become a chronic disease, there are different types of drugs that have been evaluated and concluded as sufficient acting as an agent against W. bancrofti. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

Jacobs, Julia. MEDICAL PARASITOLOGY REVIEW: TAEINA SOLIUM.

Taeina solium is an intestinal zoonotic parasite commonly known as the pork tapeworm. This tapeworm is transferred to pigs, the intermediate host, through human feces and then passed to humans, the definitive host, through measly pork. The adult Taeina solium is a white, ribbon like, 2-3 meter long triploblastic acoelomate, meaning it has no body cavity. This tapeworm is also known for having an armed rostellum containing 22-32 hooks that allows it to attach itself to the intestinal wall of its host. This parasite can be found worldwide, in any area that commonly eats pork and can easily be prevented and controlled by fully cooking meat and proper disposal of human feces around pigs. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ASHLEY

We researched scientific articles on urban raccoon
management. This poster summarizes the natural
history of raccoons,diseases associated with them,
and current management techniques used today. Our
goal is to educate about the importance and
relevance of raccoon management so that future
conservation goals can be met. Faculty Sponsor: CARY D. CHEVALIER

Rakes, Abbie. ENTAMOEBA HISTOLYTICA : A HISTORICAL REVIEW.

This paper will discuss the symptoms of amoebiasis
and how a healthcare professional might diagnose an
infection of Entamoeba histolytica. The
pathology of such an infection will be addressed, as
well as the mode of treatment used today. The
epidemiology and control of Entamoeba
histolytica will be a matter of concern because
that is the primary way to slow or stop the number
of victims this parasite claims each year. Finally,
this paper will discuss the history of amoebiasis
caused by Entamoeba histolytica so that the
general public will have a better understanding of
why this parasite is so worthy of study. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAVID ASHLEY

We did our research over Affect of fencing on wildlife populations. we found that their are some wildlife management techniques that can use fencing and other visual barriers but for the majority of cases fencing has a negative affect on wildlife. Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

Salamander populations have been on decline all over the world. The cause of decline in salamanders are many factors that affect amphibian populations to varying degrees, including habitat loss and degradation, climate change, pollution, increased ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation, direct exploitation, introduced species and disease, including infectious disease. Studies producing trends of salamander decline are increasing and extensive research is needed to help global amphibian diversity. If this issue is not addressed many salamanders could go extinct which could cause substantial effects on the surrounding habitats. Faculty Sponsor: DR. MARK MILLS

Thornton, Bethany, Meyer, Jordan, and Williams, Virginia. A STUDY OF UNIQUE HABITATS: THE SKY ISLANDS AND THEIR GENETICALLY ISOLATED INHABITANTS.

Some of the most important features of the sky islands are the remote subpopulations surviving on the tops of these ranges. Most are simply an isolated branch of a larger population occurring elsewhere, but some have been isolated for so long that speciation has set in. A few of these new species are so new and have such small populations that they don?t even have common names yet, but are quickly becoming key players in management and conservation issues on the sky islands. The following is an examination of a few sky island species and subspecies that are isolated both genetically and geographically; and what these small, unique populations mean to those who manage their habitats.
Faculty Sponsor: CARY CHEVALIER

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS

Analytical Papers and Analyses

The purpose of this paper was to study qualitatively the purchase patterns of movie theater goers in St. Joseph, MO. We observed consumer demographics and behaviors of movie goers. Our primary inquiry was to determine whether or not consumers still purchased the main staple of movie theater concessions; popcorn. The findings of this study will benefit the product distributors, theater management, and theater advertising. Faculty Sponsor: DR. MANDUPU

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Empirical Projects

Urban runoff is a contributing factor to poor water quality and can cause damaging effects if the level of pollution is not closely monitored. Two particular elements that contribute to water hardness are calcium and magnesium. In this project, water hardness of samples obtained from MWSU parking lots during high spring runoff periods was measured using XRF, indicator strips and EDTA titrations. Collections were made from the perimeters of the stream and ponds on campus over a period of five years. The results showed an increase of calcium and decrease of magnesium over time. Faculty Sponsor: SHAUNA HILEY

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION STUDIES AND JOURNALISM

Analytical Papers and Analyses

The death of Osama bin Laden was a major world event that affected various countries. While the news was headlined across every United States paper, the type and extent of coverage ranged greatly. We used Newseum.org to see the front pages of bin Laden?s death. We compiled the top newspapers in North America, and collected data concerning the percentage of coverage that the story takes up, such as the photographs, headline, story length, sidebars and position on the page. The study showed that the U.S. had more involvement in the amount of coverage of this story rather than foreign nations. Faculty Sponsor: ROBERT BERGLAND

Empirical Projects

Colbert, Cortrez. SPORTS ON THE FRONT PAGE OF NEWSPAPERS.

Abstract
Strengths
Some of the strengths in this research were that there were many sports that were on the front page of the newspaper. Most of the stories were on top of the fold of the newspapers. There were many teaser stories that almost forced the reader to want to read more into the story.
Weaknesses
There were hardly any mug shot pictures on the front page of this research. Many of the pictures were either on the side of the newspaper or all the way at the top. There were a few papers that had multiple stories about sports.
Faculty Sponsor: BOB BERGLAND

Convergence in newspaper media has been studied extensively in
the United States. However, the United Kingdom has been
neglected in terms of the same examination. This quantitative
study examines newspaper websites in the U.K. The study employs
a one-pass content analysis of the presence of 25 multimedia
elements on U.K. newspaper websites. The results will allow for an
examination of how the data has changed since the Bergland,
Crawford, Noe and Hon (2010) study. Not only that, but it will
allow other studies in the future to have data from the United
Kingdom to compare with. Faculty Sponsor: ROBERT BERGLAND

There is a widespread speculation that in the United States we are becoming more insular when it comes to our coverage of events on the international stage; concerning ourselves more with what is going on in our own backyard.
Our study uses 42 papers from the U.S. and compares them to 42 papers from Canada, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and the U.K.
We believe that our study will show that American newspapers are at least on par, if not exceeding, with other English written newspapers when it comes to international news coverage.
Faculty Sponsor: ROBERT BERGLAND

The night of the 2008 Presidential election was one that not only Americans would remember, but the citizens from all around the world. \\r\\nWe will begin our research by analyzing 50 newspapers from the U.S. and the top 50 International papers based on population. We will use as one-pass system and will split the newspapers between the two of us.\\r\\nThis will be the first of its type of research to analyze the front pages of 2008 Presidential election. Furthermore, this research is important because it?s the first of its kind to show the faces of presidential history being made from around the world.\\r\\n Faculty Sponsor: ROBERT BERGLAND

Haywood, Gwenda. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DESTROYER.

By Gwenda Haywood
?Domestic Violence: An Equal Opportunity Destroyer?
This article examines the impact of domestic violence from a position largely ignored. Recent studies have shown that there is an almost equal amount of abuse perpetrated against males as females. By examining the practice of male victimization by female perpetrators, I bring to the forefront an important issue many in our society do not want to address. Data has been collected from interviews, surveys and peer reviewed journal articles. This paper challenges the status quo and sheds light on a dangerous, escalating issue.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. MARILYN HUNT

Janovec, Danny and Lower, Jim. HOME PAGE ADVERTISING ON THE TOP 100 NEWSPAPER WEBSITES .

A study conducted in 2010 reviewed the online home pages of the top 100 circulated daily newspapers in the United States to determine digital advertising trends and set a benchmark for future research (Kragel and Scholz). This paper takes a snapshot of home page advertising in 2014 to note similarities and differences from four years ago as daily newspapers have transformed their attitudes and approaches to increase online advertising revenues. This paper also looks at advertising on the front page of these same newspapers to determine if any correlation exists between the online and print editions. Faculty Sponsor: ROBERT BERGLAND, PHD

Roberts, Jennifer. Swope, Elliot. STUDY OF PHOTOJOURNALISM AND VIDEO REQUIREMENTS AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES.

As digital technology improves, more newspapers are requiring
their reporters to cover photo and video as well as writing, begging
the question: are journalism schools requiring photo and video
education so writers are trained in these skills before they enter the
workplace? We analyzed the 102 undergraduate programs in the
United States that are accredited by the Association for Education in
Journalism and Mass Communication. The data reveals that 25%
require a photography class, 30% require a video production class,
and 40% of the programs require a multimedia class in both photo
and video. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ROBERT BERGLAND

Smith, Gary . MIAA BEHIND THE LENS.

There are 14 schools in the MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association). In my study I researched what schools incorporated video in their athletic programs. When I looked up their Youtube Channels I counted how many videos each channel uploaded. Each school had their own style of what they uploaded whether it would be highlights, player profiles, weekly shows or just post game interviews.
When I looked at each website I also checked to see if they had a video on the website and if they had a link to their Youtube Channel.
Faculty Sponsor: BOB BERGLAND

Graduate Student Research

Elting, Mark; Kelley, Mike; Kelly, Nathan. WEBSITE FEATURES OF THE TOP 66 NEWSPAPERS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.

This paper answers a call to future research proposed by Heater et al.?s (2013) paper ?Website Features of the Top 100 Circulation U.S. Newspapers.? In an effort to answer this question, our team looked at the websites of the top 66 newspapers throughout Australia and New Zealand. The purpose of this study is twofold. The first reason is to better understand the current trends in convergent media as they apply to the aforementioned countries. The second reason is to act as an aid to those who continue to study the convergent trends of Australia and New Zealand. Faculty Sponsor: DR BERGLAND

Literature Reviews

This paper seeks to discover if multimedia features
(i.e. video, podcasts, photo galleries and social
media) have increased in the online publications of
daily Canadian newspapers. As print news
publications decline, this study surveyed 98
Canadian newspaper?s websites looking at 38
multimedia categories. While this has been studied
in the United States, Canadian media has received
fewer academic studies. This research uses a two-
pass methodology to observe the features previously
mentioned. In choosing online content analysis for
this study, it is hoped to compare this research to
previous research done by the Bivings Group in 2006
and Bergland, et al, in 2012. Faculty Sponsor: DR. BERGLAND

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE MATH AND PHYSICS

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Platonic solids are unique symmetric structures. A Platonic solid is a convex polyhedron (3D structure that does not cave in on itself) with each face being a regular polygon (so sides of the polygon are the same lengths) and the same number of edges meeting at each vertex.
Despite their relative commonality in nature, only 5 exist. These 3 dimensional figures can be represented in 2 dimensions and animated using projection models and rotational matrices.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. WATERS

Gutteridge, Katelyn and Callen, Sean. HYPERBOLIC'S NEXT TOP MODEL.

Only five axioms define Euclidean geometry,
changing one of those can create a ?new? geometry.
Hyperbolic geometry is created by replacing Euclid?s
fifth Axiom, which states that there is only one
line through a point that is parallel to another
line. By allowing at least two lines through a
point to be parallel to another original line,
hyperbolic geometry can be modeled. There are many
ways to model hyperbolic geometry, including the
Poincare Disk Model, Half-Plane Model, and the Klein
Model. Here these three models are compared in both
construction and theory to prove that they are
isomorphic. Faculty Sponsor: DR. WATERS

Regular tessellations are tilings using rotations, reflections, translations of regular n-gons. There are 3 regular tessellations as well as 21 semi-regular which involve more than one regular n-gon. Comparisons are made between Euclidean geometry and hyperbolic geometry. Euclidean is the standard geometry you learn in high school and hyperbolic is geometry using a universe in which multiple parallel lines exist. Faculty Sponsor: DR. WATERS

Using Nash?s theory on finite games applied to two basketball teams we can find the ideal starting lineup. Applying the Support Theorem we found a mixed strategy to be the most effective strategy against rational behavior.
Faculty Sponsor: GAVIN WATERS

Isom, Brad; Higgins, Janolin. THE TALE OF THREE HOBBITS.

Our group looked at Tolkien?s famous story about a special ring and tried to decide, in our own words, what might be some of the character's payoffs if they had decided to take different actions, and if some key players did not help as much as they originally did. We assigned payouts to Frodo Baggins, Samwise Gamgee, and Bilbo Baggins. Frodo could choose between going to Mordor or taking the ring for himself. Samwise could choose between going with Frodo or staying in the Shire. Bilbo could choose between going to Rivendale or going to the Mountains. Also, we thought about if only Gandalf helped Frodo in any situation he choose and if Gollum only stayed and played tricks on Goblins. From there, we used Nash?s Equilibrium Theorem to figure what the Hobbits would have done if they were rational.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Isom, Brad; Wolf, Bryson. THE MYSTERIOUS EULER LINE.

In Euclidean geometry, every triangle contains three specific points: the circumcenter, the orthocenter, and the centroid. The circumcenter is a point where the perpendicular bisectors of the triangle intersect, the orthocenter is a point where the altitudes intersect, and the centroid is a point where the medians intersect. These three points all lie on the same line, known as the Euler line. This line was discovered by and named after Leonhard Euler in 1765. We will show the proof of the Euler line?s existence in Euclidean geometry and discuss this idea in hyperbolic geometry as well.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Mertzlufft, Alex. NASH EQUILIBRIUMS BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.

We will be ﬁnding the Nash equilibriums between two players, the teacher and students, and be observing how the Nash equilibriums might change as different players will have different rational decisions. The students might vary in different levels of motivation and intelligence. Students have 3 different strategies of cheating, getting help from a tutor, and working alone. We will look at 3-by-3 payoff matrices of each of the different students and see how their Nash equilibriums change accordingly.
Faculty Sponsor: GAVIN WATERS

Moore, Alexander; Morrow, Darien. HOW TO PLAY ROCK PAPER SCISSORS LIZARD SPOCK LIKE A RATIONAL PERSON.

Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock is analyzed using Game Theory methods. Alternate payoffs of this game are then formulated. Computationally solving for the mixed strategy Nash equilibrium of the altered games includes using concepts of weak domination in order to correctly apply The Support Theorem. It is found that playing one?s Nash equilibrium strategy against a player with non-symmetric payoffs does not increase one?s playoff compared to the symmetric game?s Nash equilibrium payoff. Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Zimmerli, Alex; Cook, Marcus. INTERSERV POSTER.

The project is a website for InterServ that will aid
them in their mission of assisting the less
fortunate residents of St. Joseph. The poster will
serve as a description of the design and
implementation of that project. Faculty Sponsor: BECKER, DEBORAH

Empirical Projects

Becker, Danyel. COMPETING FOR STEM JOBS USING SOCIAL NETWORKING ? A WOMAN?S PERSPECTIVE.

How Social Networking impacts college students effecting the overall graduation rate and success of career goals of women in STEM disciplines. In today?s economy job seekers must use electronic tools, networking and skills acquisition to set themselves apart from the crowd. Understanding the role apps like LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and even twitter play in the network maze of companies and jobseekers looking to connect can mean the difference of getting a job and developing a career path to the job of your dreams. Faculty Sponsor: DEBORAH BECKER

Brown, Michael; Wittrock, Kerry. THE GAME TO END ALL WARS.

Playing a game once is very different than playing a game repeatedly, especially when you don?t know when or if that game will end. In infinite games we introduce a discount factor to account for how many iterations of the game are expected. We will look at entrenched soldiers using discount factors and how they relate to the outcome of a war. In a quick simulation of potential actions we conclude that defensive strategies are Nash equilibria.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GAVIN WATERS

Chester, Joshua. QUESTIONING THE RULES OF GEOMETRY - \\.

A long time ago in a galaxy that happens to be this one, Euclid made five assumptions, and from them all of the rules of Euclid\'s geometry have been derived. He was constantly asking \"What is?\". \"What is the sum of the angles in a triangle?\", \"What is the location of the rebel base?\", and \"What is the sound of one hand clapping?\"\r\n\r\nOkay so those last two weren\'t Euclid, but the point is, once he decided to assume something, Euclid ran with it and didn\'t look back. But what if one of Euclid\'s assumptions was wrong? Faculty Sponsor: DR. WATERS

This poster is about lenses made up of a double convex shape. The material that this lens is made of will determine the index of refraction which will alter the image location of the object. This poster will observe the interaction of the focal points, the object and the image using models from geometer?s sketchpad.
Faculty Sponsor: GAVIN WATERS

Internship/Practicum Experience

Berry, Joshua. TEAM DAVINCI WEB APPLICATION PROJECT.

MWSU's Team Davinci created a custom web portal
application that runs its own Customer Relationship
Management software. This is live at:
hcisportal.com. This was created for a client:
Holy Cross Immigration Services in Utah. The
project was part of the ACT Capstone class, ACT400. Faculty Sponsor: DEBORAH BECKER

The McCarthy Daycare project is a fully functioning
website for a local nonprofit daycare. The daycare
had an existing website but it was over 10 years
old and was only a single static webpage. The new
website has many pages that allow the daycare to
provide their current and potential customers with
up to date information. The website has a database
from which much of the information is extracted.
The website administrator (someone from the
daycare) can add, update, and delete information as
they see fit. Faculty Sponsor: MS. BECKER

URSI Project

This poster represents items from our documentation and images used in our web application project. The project we participated in is for Open Door Food Kitchen of St. Joseph and lasted a full school year (2 semesters). Faculty Sponsor: DEBORAH BECKER

DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE/LEGAL STUDIES/SOCIAL WORK

Empirical Projects

This study explores the satisfaction of undergraduate employers from the Bachelors of Social Work program at Missouri Western State University. With the growing social work profession, employers are left out of the curriculum, leaving educators to face challenges on how to evaluate and assess program effectiveness. Eleven employers participated in a semi-structured interview, with one interview not fully completed. The importance and the effectiveness when facing ethical dilemmas, was examined to determine if there was a close relationship. Findings indicate that overall, BSW undergraduate employees are more effective than others in these areas. Future research should continue to focus on the importance of the Code of Ethics, in regards to future program assessment.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. LINDSTEADT

Kline, Joseph. SOCIAL WORK EMPLOYER STUDY 2014.

The importance of gaging a Universities programs is
crucial to measure the success of the universities
education. This study is evaluating the MWSU Social
work programs effectiveness by interviewing
employers who have employed alumni of the BSW
program that have graduated within the previous 5
years. Researchers interviewed a total of 11
different social service employers serving a variety
of clientele. Through a semi-structured interview
where likert scale like questions were asked as well
as open ended questions the researchers have found
that mostly all the employers are satisfied with the
knowledge and skills possessed by the Missouri
Western State Universities Social Work Graduates.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. GREGORY LINDSTEADT

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS POLITITICAL SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Barnes, Melanie. ALBANY REGIONAL OFFICE- NCI ADULT CONSUMER SURVEY .

?National Core Indicators (NCI) is a collaborative effort between the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI). The purpose of this program, which began in 1997, is to support NASDDDS member agencies to gather a standard set of performance and outcome measures that can be used to track their own performance over time, to compare results across states, and to establish national benchmarks? (NCI, 2014). This agency has 40 clients who were selected in their region. Of those 40 individuals, I was given 20. The individuals that participated in the study are those who have been diagnosed with developmental disability. This study attempts to address the following research question: Do aging individuals with developmental disabilities acquire enough physical activity? This study presented 12 survey questions that utilized a Likert-type scale. Overall, the finding of this study support the hypotheses that individuals who have a more severe developmental disability, engage in less physical activity; and the lower the individual?s mobility, the less physical activity they will engage in. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Blake, Sydney. HOW VALUABLE ARE EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO EMPLOYEES?.

This study examines factors related to performance evaluation data within a social service agency. The purpose of this study is to determine if awareness and value affect employee?s decision to examine performance data and utilize it to improve their performance. The research question being examined is: Do the employee?s awareness and belief in the value of the performance measurement data affect their choice to utilize the data to monitor and enhance their performance? In this study, an eleven question survey that incorporated a Likert-type scale was sent out to 18 employees of the agency. Overall, the results of this study do not indicate a significant relationship between awareness and utilization, or value and utilization. However, this study was limited to only a small convenience population. Were this study duplicated in the future, it would be a good idea to use a larger random sample of several different circuits across the state to increase the accuracy and reliability of the results. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Dirk, Dana. EVALUATING HIV CASE MANAGEMENT .

This study looks at the two main components of HIV case management, doctor visits and case manager assessments. As mandated by federal funding from the Ryan White CARE Act, these two components must be done twice yearly in order for the agency to receive its funds. This study explored whether clients found that the twice yearly doctor visits and case manager assessments were adequate enough to meet their needs both medically and non-medically. The sample was obtained through the case manager?s client list. A 23 multiple-choice question survey was mailed out to 45 clients in the fifteen county area the agency serves. A total of 16 surveys were mailed back. Questions asked about demographics, CD4 counts, medical and non-medical needs, and overall satisfaction with the case management they are currently receiving. Results show that the majority of clients find the twice yearly doctor visits and case manager assessments enough to meet their needs. In conclusion, it?s important to frequently re-evaluate case management practices, even those federally funded, to ensure clients are getting the care and attention they need. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Estep, Amanda. THE EFFECS OF CUSTODY IN DIVORCE ON PARENT AND CHILD RELATIONSHIPS.

This study explored the effects of custody in divorce on the parent-child relationships. I did research over the topic, and conducted a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to twelve individuals, some were parents and others were children of divorced families. The results of the questionnaire showed the best custody arrangement differs with each situation. To keep a strong relationship with both parents, a joint custody arrangement is best. However, it is only really successful if the parents are willing and able to get along with each other. The child can sometimes feel stuck in the middle with joint custody. Sole custody tends to create a very strong relationship with only one parent, normally the parent with custody. They usually have a weak relationship with the parent without custody. Parents tend to wish for joint custody for the child's sake, but are happier with a sole custody arrangement. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Hoerrmann, Kirby. COHABITATION: BENEFITS AND STRUGGLES.

This study focuses on cohabitant couples. I gave them a questionnaire to get basic information about them and what benefits and/or struggles they have had when moving in together. I was able to ask eight people or four couples about their experience. The age range was 20-49 years old. Education ranged from high school diploma/GED or college degrees. Marital status ranged from divorced/separated, cohabitants, engaged cohabitants. People waited at least 6 months before moving in together. Each participant had varied length of time that they have lived together. Most of the couples want to get in the future and only one couple doesn?t want to get married. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Our intention in this study is to determine if participation in student organizations, study groups, use of electronics and the frequency of time spent studying have an effect on student academic success. Our aim is to verify the degree to which each of these factors plays an important role in the advancement of educational opportunity. This study employed a self-administered questionnaire for collecting data from 631 randomly selected students in a small liberal arts university in the Midwest. The questionnaire contained quantitative and qualitative measures of the variables that related to academic success. The empirical data did not support the preponderance of our assumptions in this study: academic success did not seem to be associated with participation in student organizations, study groups, or use of electronics while studying. However, we can only conclude from our data that a higher grade point average will result when a student spends more hours per week studying. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Leidy, Kelsea. FAMILY LIFE WITH A DEFIANT CHILD.

The purposes of this research assignment were to determine how family life is affected when there is a defiant child in the family?specifically, how the parents and the siblings are affected?and to distinguish the different types of treatments used to treat defiant children. I created a survey on this specific topic. The overall findings of this survey were that most of the families who conducted the survey had children who acted out verbally because they wanted attention, jealousy, were frustrated by their disorder, lack of structure/supervision, or for some unknown reason. These defiant children were generally diagnosed with operational defiant disorder (ODD) or an autism disorder. The most used treatment was that of at home treatments via self-help books. After treatments the child generally had good and bad days. Lastly, the effects on the parents were that of arguing or even getting a divorce. Also, half of the parents were worried about their non-defiant children becoming defiant. The overall conclusion to this study is that once the family finds a treatment that best suits the family as a whole, it will help resolve some of the negative effects. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

Miller, Kayla. VULNERABILITY INDEX ON THE HOMELESS POPULATION.

The intention in this study is to examine the vulnerability index on the homeless population living on the streets and in selected shelters by the following components: history of housing and homelessness, risks, socialization and daily functions, and wellness. The target degree was to observe these factors to determine a high vulnerability, moderate vulnerability, or low vulnerability index. This study administered a verbal questionnaire for collecting data from 24 randomly selected participants. The questionnaire contained quantitative and nominal measures of the variables that related to homelessness. This study addresses the research question, ?What impacts the vulnerability of homeless persons or/and families living on the streets or in shelters?? The empirical data did not support the hypothesis: The greater number of homeless persons living on the streets or in selected shelters that are housed and then homeless again will have a higher vulnerability index score in St. Joseph, Missouri. However, the study showed that homeless persons who were housed and then homeless again received a high vulnerability index. \\r\\n\\r\\n Faculty Sponsor: ALI KAMALI

Morton, Nicole. VULNERABILITY INDEX OF THE HOMELESS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

There are millions of people that are affected by homelessness every year, as well as domestic violence. This paper will examine the vulnerability, in terms of how much danger or harm could be brought to those men and women experiencing domestic violence that end up on the streets or in shelters. Participants were chosen from the Haven House, YWCA, Judah House, the Food Kitchen, Bus Station and the Pattie House. The research was done in the domestic violence shelter at the YWCA, Haven House, and in open quiet public places. Out of 24 participants 37.5 % or 9 participants were female and 62.5 %or 15 participants were male, it was found that men who experience domestic violence are at higher risk than men who experience domestic violence. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ALI KAMALI

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Empirical Projects

Three-dimensional (3D) Print Construction, the use of a large gantry-type robot (3D Printer) to create structures using concrete and other extrudable materials, is a new method of building construction utilizing the principles of Additive Manufacturing. 3D Printers construct objects from computer-rendered models by putting down successive layers of the extruded material to build an object up layer by layer. In order to better understand the techniques of 3D Print Construction, a working, portable 3D Print Machine Model has been built to simulate this type of construction. The Machine Model will use a manual system to deliver thin layers of cement mortar to build representational models of structures, presenting an applied learning approach to working with this emerging technology.\\r\\n Faculty Sponsor: DR. MOHAMMED ADBEL-RAHEEM

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND JOURNALISM

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Herring, Brandon. CHANGING LANGUAGE IN AMERICA.

A research project that discovers the Civil Defense
Manuals of the 1960's and the comparisons of Federal
Plain Language. I review the differences between
government documents before the Plain Language laws
were passed in 2010. Faculty Sponsor: DR. KAYE ADKINS

Herring, Brandon. CHANGING LANGUAGE IN AMERICA.

A research project that examines the Civil Defense
Manuals of the 1960's and compares their content to
current Federal Plain Language laws. I review the
differences between government documents before the
Plain Language laws were passed in 2010. Using
sources that were incorporated from the federal
government's official Plain Language website I was
able to theorize whether or not the documents were
suitable for the average American, or if the
government documents were too far advanced,
especially for an important time for America's
safety. Faculty Sponsor: DR. KAYE ADKINS

Kohrs, Brenda. WHITE PAPERS BEST PRACTICE.

The white paper is a document integrating persuasion and information in a form similar to a research paper. It enables its readers to make informed decisions with respect to their needs
This poster reviews the best practices for a white paper and uses this to evaluate a sample white paper. Faculty Sponsor: DR. K. ADKINS

Empirical Projects

Ramsay, Brian. COMICS AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL DEVICE.

Memorability is an important aspect of product usability. This project presents evidence as to why comics are more reliable as an instructional device by using a usability/memorability test. It is hoped that people will walk away from this presentation asking questions about how people learn- either through how-to guides or books containing subjects that students learn in school. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ADKINS

Voelk, Jessica. A WALKTHROUGH OF A WALKTHROUGH.

This project compares two video game strategy guides (walkthroughs)to see which is "more helpful." The two walkthroughs are Pokemon Platinum Version: The Official Pokemon Guide and Pokemon X & Pokemon Y: The Official Kalos Region Guidebook: The Official Pokemon Strategy Guide. Compares them using principles of general help manuals. Faculty Sponsor: DR. ADKINS

Literature Reviews

Cordonier, Erin. DEFENDING TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION: POWER AND STATUS IN A MATURE FIELD STILL OF DUBIOUS WORTH.

I review selections from both volumes of Power and Legitimacy in Technical Communication (edited by Gerald J. Savage and Teresa Kynell-Hunt in 2004), a landmark collection of discussions on the status of technical communication in academia and practice. Next, I review more recent discussions on the topic to determine what has changed and what practices can help technical communicators establish status and power.
Faculty Sponsor: ADKINS

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY PHILOSOPHY AND GEOGRAPHY

Analytical Papers and Analyses

Platanthera praeclara, commonly called Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, is a listed threatened species in Missouri. There are three known populations in the Missouri glaciated plains ecoregion: Tarkio prairie CA, Little Tarkio prairie CA, and Helton prairie NA. This plant is native to tall grass prairies and grows in soils with a mutualistic symbiotic relationship with endomycorrhizae fungi. Historically these species occurred throughout the glaciated plains and the Osage plains ecoregions in Missouri. The goal for this research is to examine environmental conditions from the known prairie locations as a means to identify potential future areas for Platanthera praeclara reestablishments. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DRAKE

Wakefield, Calvin. SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF ELK IN THE OZARKS.

Elk have recently been reintroduced to Missouri. There is currently much concern about the habitat and areas the elk will inhabit. Through several GIS processes I analyzed the habitat, elevation, and general area inhabited by an elk in the restoration area. I found the elk favors deciduous forest at no specific elevation range within the designated restoration area.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. DRAKE

Walker, William and McIntosh, Timothy. HOME RANGE AND POSSIBLE FUTURE HABITATS OF WHITE FRINGE PRAIRIE ORCHIDS IN THE TARKIO PRAIRIE.

The Purpose of this experiment was to determine the home range of
the White Fringed Prairie Orchid, and other possible areas of growth.,
in the area of the Tarkio Prairie in Atchison County. This was done by
using Dr. Ashley?s GPS data of known orchid locations, and by using
Arc Map software. It was observed that orchids may prefer an
elevation of 1055 to 1070 meters above sea level.
Faculty Sponsor: DAWN DRAKE

Empirical Projects

Couch, Brock. USING GIS TO DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OF AMPHIBIAN REPRODUCTION IN MAN-MADE VERNAL POOLS.

Amphibian populations are declining worldwide
because of various factors such as habitat
destruction and disease. Creating new habitat
and/or rehabilitating damaged or lost habitat has
become an important tool used to restore amphibian
populations. For our study, we were working in
Mark Twain National Forest to determine if
amphibians will use man-made vernal pools. We were
also trying to determine if man-made vernal pools
made with a liner vs. no liner will promote
amphibian reproduction. To identify the species
using each pond, we used calling surveys and
collected tadpoles or larvae using traps and dip
nets. We found that a variety of different
amphibian species used the vernal pools:
including, Lithobates clamitans; Lithobates
spenocephalus; Anaxyrus americanus; Anaxyrus
fowleri; Acris blanchardi; Pseudacris crucifer;
Ambystoma maculatum; and Ambystoma opacum. From
this data, we further wanted to determine which
man-made vernal pools would be most suitable for
amphibian reproduction using GIS (ESRI ArcGIS).
To this end, we correlated various habitat types
or categories to species richness as well as the
presence of individual species. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DAWN DRAKE

Mendenhall, Olivea; Gaume, Cathi. WHERE IS SCAPHIRHYNCHUS ALBUS?.

Pallid sturgeon can be found in the Missouri and lower Mississippi rivers in Missouri. They are on the endangered species list due to the Missouri river dams, downstream of dams which have altered the river's hydrograph, temperature and turbidity. We used data collected from the Missouri Department of Conservation to find three things 1) overall population distribution in the study area, 2) the distribution of each fish type (wild, hatchery, unknown) , and 3) the density of fish caught at each bend in the river. We used Arcmap to create out different layers for our maps. Faculty Sponsor: DR. DRAKE

Pitcher, Sandra. MECHANISM AT THE BASIS OF MARCESCENCE.

To investigate the ecological consequences and the physiological mechanism at the basis of marcescence, we initiated a long term survey-study on the Missouri Western State University Campus during the winter of 2012-2013, using geographical information systems (GIS) for mapping and identifying marcescent species, with the ultimate goal to describe the molecular mechanism responsible for leaf retaining in the identified species Faculty Sponsor: DAWN DRAKE

DEPARTMENT OF NURSING

Empirical Projects

Hall, Rebecca and Mouse, Christy. SOCIAL MEDIA: DOES IT BREACH SECURITY AND PATIENT CONFIDIENTIALTY.

Social Media: Does it breach security and patient confidentiality? A survey was developed on Survey Monkey and distributed to over 100 participants that work in the Health Information field (HIM), students in the HIM field and general population. The purpose of the study was to gain knowledge of the public and professional participant?s opinion on how secure their health data was when social media was involved in the communication of their care and treatment.
Faculty Sponsor: DR. STEPHANIE CORDER

Peterson, Tabitah and Clemens, Charity. WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE AGE OF A PATIENT AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF THEM USING THEIR PHR?.

The purpose of this study was to identify the ties, if any, between specific demographics of a health consumer to the likelihood of them knowing about and using a PHR. Personal health records aren?t currently being utilized by the majority of health consumers at a rate that one might expect, considering the effect they can have on healthcare. Health consumer surveys were taken and analyzed. Preliminary results show a direct correlation, specifically to age and the likelihood of PHR use. This suggests that providers need to be more active in promoting, educating, and helping their patients with obtaining/maintaining a PHR. Faculty Sponsor: STEPHANIE CORDER

The purpose of this study was to exam the influences of anxiety, depression, and coping strategies on older people?s suicidal ideation. This was a cross sectional, descriptive design. The questionnaires were used to do the data collection. There were 81 older people were recruited from community. The mean age was 71.42 including 42% male and 58% female. The results indicated that older people who had higher score of anxiety or depression had higher score of suicidal ideation. People who using problem focused coping strategies had lower scores of suicidal ideation than people who using emotional focused coping strategies. Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

The purpose of this study was to exam the influences of family interaction, personality and spiritual well-being on the older people?s psychological well-being. This was a cross sectional, descriptive design. The questionnaires were used to do the data collection. There were 81 older people were recruited from community. The mean age was 71.42, 42% male and 58% female. Older people whose parents decreased using harsh discipline and decreased negative family interaction, and using communication and positive family interaction had higher score of psychological well-being. Older people who had higher positive personality and spiritual well-being had higher score of psychological well-being. Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

The purpose of this study was to exam the factors influencing nursing students? psychological well-being and suicidal ideation. This was a cross sectional, descriptive design. The questionnaires were used to do the data collection. There were 38 nursing students were recruited from a state university in the USA. The mean age was 23.68 including 13.2% male and 86.8% female. The results indicated that factors of anxiety and depression decreased the psychological well-being of nursing students, and increased their suicidal ideation. Factors of positive personality increased nursing students? psychological well-being. Faculty Sponsor: YEH, PI-MING

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

Empirical Projects

This study examined the relationship between unconscious prejudice and overt discrimination against obese individuals in a resume evaluation task. It used a 2 (primed to believe obesity is due to lack of discipline versus genetic predisposition) x 2 (photo versus none with resume) design. Participants were asked to perform a reading task to ostensibly evaluate reading comprehension. In reality, this was the prime of their beliefs about obesity. Half the readings were about obesity being related to genetics, and the other half about obesity as due to lack of discipline. Participants then evaluated two functionally identical resumes for an accounting job. In the photo condition, one applicant photo was obese and the other of normal BMI. Participants rated both resumes and selected one for an interview. Following the resume evaluation, participants completed the IAT-obesity online, which measures unconscious prejudice against obese individuals. They then completed a questionnaire and were debriefed. Analyses are underway using a 2 x 2 ANOVA on IAT scores and resume ratings, and a correlational analysis connecting IAT to resume ratings will also be conducted. We predict greater levels of unconscious prejudice will result in higher ratings for the thinner candidate, and that this will be amplified in the presence of a photo or priming emphasizing lack of discipline as cause for obesity. Faculty Sponsor: DR. HENRY

The purpose of this study was to investigate
various types of learning or memory?with different
types of stimuli, or content. Namely, incidental
versus intentional learning was compared using
semantically related pairs of words, which were
presented verbally. Incidental versus intentional
learning was also compared using numbers, which
were paired with abstract, ?meaningless? symbols. Faculty Sponsor: GERHART, ARON